To knot or not to knotNo matter if you are crocheting or knitting the rule fo finishing off a project is to weave your ends in. I have never felt to secure to do just that. I still like to add a small knot just for security reason's. I have also noticed that when weaving in your ends there is always a small piece that just wants to stick out like a sore thumb. So what I do now is weave in my ends and still tie a small knot. Then clip as close to the knot as possible.

Above is my newly crocheted belt. You can find this patter just about anywhere. Most call for 3 inch brass rings. But instead of running out to the craft store why not use a couple of old braclets that you have just tossed aside and don't wear any more

Monday, May 22, 2006

This is a hatbox, turned pocketbook. It seems as if almost anything can be turned into a pocketbook. I found these cute little hat boxes at of all places the dollar store. What is really fun about this is you can carry it as a drawstring pocketbook or place it on a table with the lid and it is just a decorative box. You could of course store some jewery or some other little treasure in it as well.Supplies needed for this project are:small decorative boxa leather punch or an awl ( for punching holes)Yarn of your choicea small crochet hooksize I crochet hookDirections: Remove lid from box and set aside. Take the the bottom of the box and punch your holes around the top about 1/4 of and inch down and apart.Using the small crochet hook use it to slp stitch your yarn all the way around to beginning and slp st to beginning to join.Ch 1 sc in first crochet dbl in second . alternate sc then dbl crochet around then slp to beginning ch.repeat this pattern till desired height as been reached.chain 4 skip first stitch and dbl in the second. ch1 skip a stitch and dbl cr. continue around till you get back to beginning and join. ( placement for handles )chain 1 and repeat beginning pattern for 3 rows. finish off and weave ends.drawstring. make 2 chain desired length for handle.run your handle through the dbl's you made.Once handles are through sew ends of cording together.If you have any questions please post and I will respond.

Thursday, May 18, 2006

Busy day today. I have a great crochet belt to complete. Gonna look great with my gypsy skirts. Then I have some flip flops to do as well as get things up in my EBay store. My Ebay id is crochet18purple. Check it out. My store name is of course A Needle In The Haystack. I also have some listings on Blu Jay as well and even on the Lion Brand Yarn Boutique.http://www.blujay.com/purpleknitster

Well they sent Elliott home. He is a great singer and I believe that he will go far.I will be back in a while. I guess I really need to get busy.Well I finally got some EBay auctions up. yey. It took me over an hour just to edit my pics. Not to mention all the cleaning I have been doing today. I have even managed to work on my belt some. I hope to have it finished tonight and I can post a picture tomorrow.The pocketbooks above were knitted with wool and novelty yarn. Then felted. They were alot bigger before they hit the hot water. But I just love how the stitches blend together. I also did the same process with bracelets. When they dry you can emblish them with novelty yarns or beads.By the way. My EBay store is A needle in the haystack too and my id is crochet18purpleCheck it out.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Well first thing is post in my blog. I have some projects to work on and some that I need to finish. I have started learning hairpin lace. No pictures for that yet. I am presently working on a ribbon belt. It is being crocheted. I will post a pic when finished. I have done some of the barefoot sandals. They are fun to knit and the yarns you can choose from are so unlimited.

It's funny because if you are a knitter or a crocheter you probally just like me come up with your own designs and patterns at times. I know that a couple of years ago I did what I called a bracelet pocketbook. Now you can find them all over the place. I mean hey they are great for a cell phone and other small items if you don't want to carry a big purse. And I don't know about you but pocketbooks seem to be the most popular thing to knit or crochet. All you need is some yarn and a little creativity.

Sunday, May 14, 2006

First of all Happy Mother's day to all. The day started off kinda rocky. Our kitty Buttercup was hit by a car and died today. It was an awlful feeling. It really bugs me that people drive so stupid and don't obey traffic laws. We live in an residential area that has a sign posted "children at play" speed limit 25 mph and yet people fly up and down this dead end streat. That concerns me with summer vacation coming soon. I know there will be a lot of kids out playing including 2 of my grandson's.Then my sister informs me this morning that they are going to be going to South Dakota and don't know for how long. They may even move up there or should I say out there. We live in Central N C so that is quite far. I am really hopeing that she changes her mind.And now the storms are hitting. Lot's of hail. We are under a tornado watch till 8:00 tonight.Now back to what I really enjoy knitting and crocheting. I think after today I am ready to set down and pick up the knitting needles and try and relax. I am making barefoot sandals. among other things.Well this is all for now except one more thing. Vote Vote Vote for Taylor Hicks

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Having a new grandbaby there are lots and lots of formula cans. What to do with them. Being a crafter you know most items have a purpose. I decided a drawstring pocketbook would be fun to try. Here are 2 that I am working on that are done out of these cans.It is still cloudy here and damp. He is asleep right now so I figured it would be a great time to post.Have a great dayDebbie

Monday, May 08, 2006

Hello and good day. It is a rainy day here in N C. I haven't done a blog before so this ought to be interesting. I knit and I crochet. And I absoutley can not resist a new knit or crochet book or a great skein of yarn that I really have no idea what I will use it for, I just have to have it.I do however like to design my own items as well. I sell alot of what I make on EBay and even have my own knit/crochet discussion group as well. I actually have some things I should be finishing up at the moment but my grandson has other ideas for me. Ok he has gone home now. Supper is done and time to set back and knit. Gonna be working on a pocketbook for a May swap I am in.The picture in this post I crocheted from a chipwood box. I designed the paper and then decoupaged it to the box. I crocheted into the box and made a drawstring pocketbook.I also did another one that I used duct tape on.I will try and be back tomorrow.Have a great night.Debbie

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About Me

I am a crafter of all kinds, I knit, crochet and dabble in polymer clay.
I love photography and and designing pictures and fabrics in PSP.
I sew but more on the creative side, like free form fabrics and fabric post cards.
I'm married and have been for 10 years. We live in central N C. I am a mom of 3 sons and have 4 grandchildren